Making A Living In Bolivia: A Guide

Making friends in Bolivia can be challenging, especially for young people who are new to the country. The country's culture is vastly different from Western cultures, and many communities are tight-knit, making it difficult to make friends outside of established circles. However, Bolivians are generally described as friendly, and there are several ways to meet people and make friends in the country. Joining a church or sports group can be a great way to connect with others, as can participating in social events and activities. Online platforms and dating apps, such as Lovepedia and Waplog, can also facilitate meeting new people and making friends, especially for those seeking specific types of connections.

Marvel at the stars on the Salar de Uyuni

Bolivia is a country of diverse landscapes, from snowy mountain peaks to hot Amazonian jungles, breathtaking valleys, and lakeside beaches. One of its most famous attractions is the Salar de Uyuni salt flats, which span over 10,000 square kilometres and are one of the flattest places on Earth. This vast, beautiful expanse is a photographer's dream, with its bright white salt pans reflecting the sky to create stunning, surreal images.

The Salar de Uyuni is also a stargazer's paradise. With one of the cleanest skies on the planet due to the absence of light pollution, it is the perfect place to observe the Milky Way and a thousand sparkling stars. The best way to experience the salt flats at night is on a stargazing tour. There are various options, from a half-day group tour to a 3-day private tour, which includes meals and accommodation in a hotel made of salt!

For an even more magical experience, time your visit to coincide with sunset, when you can see the reflection of the starry night sky on the surface of the salt flats. The sense of being in a galaxy far, far away is perhaps what drew Star Wars director Rian Johnson to choose the Salar de Uyuni as the setting for the final battle in 'The Last Jedi'. The salt flats' otherworldly beauty was the perfect backdrop for one of the most epic Star Wars battles to date.

Whether you're a photography enthusiast, a stargazer, or a film buff, the Salar de Uyuni is sure to take your breath away.

Explore the Amazon jungle

Bolivia is a great place to start your Amazon adventure. It's budget-friendly, less crowded than the Brazilian Amazon, and just as biologically diverse. The small town of Rurrenabaque is the primary gateway for tours of the Amazon jungle. It's easy to sign up for tours here, and it's cheaper than booking in La Paz. It's also a small town, so it's easy to find a guesthouse for around $5-10 USD a night.

There are two ways to visit the Amazon from Rurrenabaque: the Pampas Tour and the Jungle Tour.

Pampas Tour

The Pampas Tour is the cheapest option and offers the chance to see a lot of wildlife, including alligators, squirrel monkeys, and capybaras. This isn't a classic Amazon jungle experience, as the pampas are a wetland savannah rather than dense jungle, but it's much easier to spot wildlife due to the lack of trees.

All tour operators offer almost identical three-day/two-night trips for around $75 USD, plus a park entrance fee of around $20 USD. Tours include transportation, food, and a guide, but expect basic accommodations and meals. It's recommended to bring snacks and shop around for a company with good, knowledgeable guides.

After a bumpy three-hour jeep ride to the edge of the jungle, you'll transfer to a motorized canoe and travel along the river to your lodge. The river trip is a highlight, offering the chance to see an array of wildlife, including alligators, capybaras, turtles, and monkeys, as well as a variety of birds.

The accommodations are shared wooden huts on stilts, and you'll wake up to the sounds of howler monkeys. There's power until 10 pm, so you can relax in a hammock with a cold beer and watch the sunset.

Jungle Tour

For a more classic Amazon experience, opt for a jungle tour, where you can stay at an eco-lodge and do activities such as canoe trips, piranha fishing, and jungle treks. This option is pricier, with rates starting at $207 USD for a three-day/two-night tour, but it's still much cheaper than a similar experience in Brazil.

Jungle treks can be tiring due to the heat and humidity, and there are more mosquitoes than in the pampas. It's also more challenging to spot wildlife in the dense jungle, but you'll see colorful spiders and giant bugs and learn about the medicinal uses of plants and trees.

If you have the budget and time, it's recommended to do both the pampas and jungle trips.

Travel Tips

• The best time to visit the Bolivian Amazon is during the dry season, from October to May, when there is more wildlife and fewer mosquitoes.
• Wear light, breathable clothing to stay cool, but cover up to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
• Bring waterproof hiking boots for the jungle treks and swimwear for swimming with dolphins in the wetlands.
• Other essential items include bug spray, a head torch, a towel, sunscreen, and cash, as there is no reliable ATM in Rurrenabaque.
• To get to Rurrenabaque from La Paz, you can take a 30-hour bus ride or a 35-minute flight with Amaszonas for $70-75 USD each way.

Visit Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is the largest lake on the South American continent, straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia. It is the world's highest navigable lake, with astounding views of the Andes and a rich cultural history.

The lake is sacred to the Indigenous communities that surround it, and it is believed to be the birthplace of the Incas. The Inca god Viracocha is said to have emerged from the depths of the lake, creating the sun, moon, stars, and mankind.

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to November, especially in June, July, and August. However, April and May are excellent months for fewer crowds and lush vegetation following the rainy season.

Most travellers stay in Puno on the Peruvian side or Copacabana on the Bolivian side. To get to the lake, you can fly to Juliaca in Peru or take a bus from Cusco or La Paz. There are also buses that cross the border between Puno and Copacabana, taking about four hours.

There are many boat excursions to choose from to explore the islands on the lake. One of the most famous attractions is the man-made floating reed islands of the Uros people, located just off the coast of Puno. You can visit them for a day or choose a homestay to immerse yourself in their culture.

Another must-see is the Isla del Sol, located near Copacabana. According to Incan mythology, this is where the god Huiracocha emerged from and created the world. The island is one of the most sacred places to the Incas and still contains Incan ruins.

Other islands worth visiting include Amantani, known for its remote beauty and authentic experience, and Suasi, a privately-owned island offering eco-luxury accommodations.

When visiting Lake Titicaca, remember to pack sunscreen as the sun's rays are strong due to the high elevation. The temperatures stay cool, and it is too cold for swimming, so bring warm clothing. The local currency differs on each side of the lake, with Peruvian soles needed in Peru and bolivianos in Bolivia. Credit cards are not widely accepted, so bring cash, preferably in smaller denominations.

Tour La Paz

La Paz, the administrative capital of Bolivia, is a bustling city with a vibrant culture and stunning natural surroundings. Here is a suggested itinerary for a tour of La Paz:

Day 1: Exploring La Paz's Food Scene

Start your day in La Paz by immersing yourself in the city's culinary delights. Head to the markets of La Paz, where you can find an array of street snacks and traditional dishes. Sample the ubiquitous salteñas, baked snacks filled with a mix of sweet and savoury sauces, beef, pork, or chicken, and sometimes peas, eggs, potatoes, and olives. For a vegetarian option, seek out tucumanas, a fried version of salteña filled with potatoes, carrots, and peas.

For a heartier meal, try silpancho, a filling dish of breaded flat-round beef served with white rice, boiled tomatoes, and a fried egg. Another must-try is the local version of empanadas, Empanadas Bolivianas, which have a gooey, cheesy centre.

For a unique beverage, taste mocochinchi, a traditional Bolivian drink, or try the local coffee, high-altitude Yungas coffee.

Day 2: Exploring La Paz's Natural Wonders

On your second day, explore the natural wonders surrounding La Paz. One popular option is to visit Balandra Beach, known for its dramatic rock formations and mangrove-filled cliffs. You can sign up for a small-group paddleboarding expedition or opt for a private kayaking adventure around the mangroves and La Paz Bay.

If you're feeling adventurous, consider sandboarding at the Mogote Dunes. You'll receive safety instructions and choose a dune that suits your comfort level.

Day 3: Cultural and Historical Explorations

Dedicate your third day to discovering the culture and history of La Paz. Start with a morning guided hike, including an organic breakfast. You can also opt for a city tour that includes visits to nearby beaches, such as Playa Balandra and Playa Tecolote.

In the afternoon, explore La Paz's craft beer scene with a local tasting experience. Alternatively, sign up for a unique Mexican spirits tasting and pairing experience, where you'll learn about tequila and mezcal.

Day 4: Day Trips from La Paz

On your final day, consider a day trip to nearby destinations. One popular option is the city of Tarija, known for its high-altitude vineyards. You can also visit the town of Oruro, where you can sample the traditional dish charquekan, made with dried llama meat.

Another option is a day trip to the Amazon basin, where you can find an abundance of antioxidant-rich asaí berries used in smoothies and bowls.

Summit a 6,000-metre mountain

Bolivia is home to several mountains exceeding 6,000 meters, and summiting one of these peaks is an achievable goal for a fit and determined adventurer. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you prepare for and achieve this challenging feat.

Step 1: Choose Your Mountain

Bolivia's Cordillera Real, or "Royal Range," boasts seven peaks above 6,000 meters, including Huayna Potosi, Illimani, and Chachacomani. Huayna Potosi, located near La Paz, is often considered the easiest 6,000-meter peak in the world due to its straightforward glacier climb and easy access from La Paz. However, other mountains like Chachani in Peru and Acotango in Bolivia are also viable options.

Step 2: Prepare Your Gear and Skills

Summiting a 6,000-meter mountain requires specialized gear and skills. Ensure you have the necessary equipment, including crampons, an ice axe, warm clothing, and a good pair of mountain boots. Consider taking a course in ice climbing or glacier travel, and familiarize yourself with basic mountaineering skills such as crevasse rescue and rope team techniques.

Step 3: Acclimatize to the Altitude

Give yourself time to adjust to the high altitude. La Paz, the world's highest capital city at 3,640 meters, is a great place to start. Spend a few days exploring the city and acclimatizing to the thin air. You can also take the world's highest cable car across the city for breathtaking views. Consider climbing a lower peak, such as Pico de Austria or Condoriri, to help with acclimatization.

Step 4: Choose Your Route

Research the different routes up your chosen mountain and select one that matches your skill level. For Huayna Potosi, the normal route is a glacier climb with some crevasses and a steep climb to the summit. Alternatively, the Huayna Potosi West Face offers more challenging snow and ice routes.

Step 5: Plan Your Ascent

Most climbers begin their summit attempt between midnight and 3 am to take advantage of the colder temperatures and more stable snow conditions. The entire climb from the high camp can take between 8 and 12 hours, so be prepared for a long and strenuous journey. Well-acclimatized climbers may opt to climb directly from the hut at Zongo Pass, which can take most of the day.

Step 6: Summit and Descend

As you climb, pay attention to your body and the conditions around you. Take breaks as needed and be mindful of the increasing altitude and thinner air. Follow your chosen route carefully, navigating any crevasses or steep sections with caution. Once you reach the summit, take in the incredible views and celebrate your accomplishment. Then, descend carefully, returning the way you came or following a pre-planned descent route.

Summiting a 6,000-meter mountain in Bolivia is a challenging and rewarding experience. With proper preparation, the right gear, and a good dose of determination, you can achieve this impressive feat and enjoy the beauty and adventure that Bolivia's mountains have to offer.

Frequently asked questions